Most wanted for spring

Each season, the style and fashion experts at the places where we shop put together “look books” – a new digital twist on the catalog that used to show up at our door step.

Will MacDonald / Life Editor

Each season, the style and fashion experts at the places where we shop put together “look books” – a new digital twist on the catalog that used to show up at our door step.

The unveiling of the “look book” is a much heralded event and on a cold winter day back in late January, Arlene Goldstein, vice president for trends and merchandising for Belk, met with fashion writers and bloggers at the chain’s SouthPark store in Charlotte to unveil the Spring 2013 line.

The theme this year, “Pretty Woman” sums up the look, a mix of pretty and powerful.

One of the most anticipated parts of Goldstein’s presentation – her Most Wanted List – a look at the must-have pieces of the season.

The first year the list was released something happened nobody expected: Customers began showing up at stores with it ready to shop.

“It really surprised us,” said Goldstein. “We heard from the stores that people were printing it out and bringing it with them. Now we have customers who look for it every year.”

Here are is her “Most Wanted” list for women this season.

Bold Print Dresses – Whether it’s showy flowers or a kitschy print, patterns will get you noticed this season. Geometrics and print mixes also make the list.